The Tamil Nadu government has shortlisted two sites near Chennai for a proposed second airport, and officials have submitted the findings of a preliminary study to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

The locations are Cheyyur in Chengalpattu district, about 100 km south of Chennai, and Manellore near Gummidipundi in Tiruvallur district, about 50 km north-northwest of the city.

Both sites were identified within a week after the administration decided to drop the earlier Parandur plan on environmental grounds.

State officials recommended that the AAI carry out feasibility studies and indicated that an AAI team would inspect the sites for detailed assessment.

The decision to abandon Parandur followed concerns about water bodies, agricultural land and flood risk, prompting the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government to seek alternative locations.

Officials cautioned that even if a site and land are finalised, it would take at least five years for the airport to begin operations.

The chief minister has pegged the Tamil Nadu economy to reach United States dollar (USD) 1.5 tn by 2036, and the government views a second airport as part of that infrastructure push.

Opposition parties reacted sharply to the new shortlist, with a DMK spokesperson noting that work at Parandur had been advanced before it was cancelled and questioning the rationale for the change.

The Bharatiya Janata Party raised technical and safety concerns, citing insufficient land at Gummidipundi, the proximity of Sriharikota range and environmental and nuclear installations near Cheyyur.

Responses have underscored competing priorities between rapid development and environmental safeguards as the administration proceeds to the next stage of evaluation.

The AAI inspection and subsequent feasibility report will determine whether the sites meet operational and regulatory requirements and what mitigation may be necessary.

The state government will await those findings before committing to land acquisition or project timelines.